Cannabis processing is the base for a rapidly evolving industry with applications across domains, from topicals to edibles. It is no longer about simple cultivation but a sophisticated, multi-step procedure requiring specialized knowledge and equipment.
A modern cannabis processing facility handles everything from harvest to final product formulation. Each of these phases demands precision and expertise. This article explores ten essential steps in processing cannabis to ensure quality, consistency, and regulatory compliance.
Harvesting is the first step of cannabis processing that starts the post-growth phase. It must be done at the right time to preserve cannabinoid and terpene profiles.
Purpose: Collect mature buds at peak potency.
Method: Cut down the plant and separate the buds carefully.
Techniques / Key Considerations:
- Harvest when trichomes are cloudy or amber
- Use sanitized tools to avoid contamination
- Handle buds gently to preserve resin
Step 2: Drying
Drying is the next step to remove moisture from freshly harvested cannabis buds. It prevents mold growth, ensuring buds are ready for curing.
Purpose: Reduce moisture content in cannabis and preserve valuable cannabinoids.
Method: Place buds on drying racks and leave them to dry in a controlled environment.
Techniques / Key Considerations:
- Dry at 60-65% humidity and 60-70°F temperature
- Adequate air circulation is necessary, but no direct fan drying
- Monitor moisture levels; the stem should snap rather than bend
Step 3: Curing
Curing is essential for high-yield cannabis processing because it allows chlorophyll to break down, developing an enriched flavor.
Purpose: Enhances flavor, smoothness, and potency.
Method: Carefully store dried buds in airtight containers. Open the container periodically to release moisture and gases.
Techniques / Key Considerations:
- Glass jars with airtight seals must be used for curing
- Burp containers daily for the first week, then at least once a week
- Maintain 58-62% humidity in the facility
Step 4: Trimming
At this step, excess leaf material is trimmed from buds. Trimming is essential to improve the concentration of desired compounds, appearance, and smoothness.
Purpose: Create manicured buds for an improved smoking experience.
Method: Hand trim or automated trimming machines
Techniques / Key Considerations:
- Trimming can be wet (before drying) or dry (after drying)
- For the highest quality produce, hand trimming is best but labor-intensive
- Machine trimming is faster but can damage trichomes
Step 5: Extraction
Extraction uses mechanical or chemical separation methods to extract cannabinoids and terpenes from plant material. The process can vary depending on the type of concentrate required.
Purpose: Isolate and concentrate the active cannabinoids or terpenes from the plant material.
Method: Use solvents such as hydrocarbons, CO₂, and ethanol or solventless methods (heat, pressure, ice water).
Techniques / Key Considerations:
- CO2 extraction is the most efficient extraction as it offers more precision control
- Hydrocarbon extraction (butane, propane) for large-scale production
- Solventless methods like rosin pressing for purer high terpene profile extracts
Step 6: Winterization
Winterization is a step in cannabis processing utilized for removing waxes, lipids, and fats from extracts using cold temperatures and alcohol.
Purpose: Improve extract purity by removing unwanted compounds.
Method: Mix extracts with ethanol and freeze the solution to filter out solidified waxes and lipids.
Techniques / Key Considerations:
- Pure pharmaceutical-grade ethanol as a solvent for best results
- Maintain temperatures between -20°F and -80°F
- For cleaner extracts, winterize for 24-48 hours
Step 7: Filtration
Post-processing, cannabis extracts can be filtered further to remove suspended particles, impurities, and unwanted materials.
Purpose: Further improve the purity.
Method: Pass extracts through a series of filters with progressively smaller pore sizes.
Techniques / Key Considerations:
- Use vacuum filtration for maximum efficiency
- Filter using multiple screens from 25 microns down to 1 micron
- Use cold filtration to preserve sensitive terpenes
Step 8: Decarboxylation
Extracts are heated to convert inactive cannabinoid acids like THCA and CBDA into their active forms (THC, CBD). The process is known as decarboxylation.
Purpose: Activate cannabinoids for therapeutic or psychoactive effects.
Method: Apply controlled heat to cannabis material.
Techniques / Key Considerations:
- Typical decarboxylation occurs at 220-240°F for 30-45 minutes
- Precisely control time and temperature to avoid degradation
- Use closed-loop systems to prevent terpene loss during heating
Step 9: Distillation
Distillation is the process of separating specific cannabinoids based on their boiling points. It is utilized for creating highly pure cannabis concentrates.
Purpose: Isolate specific cannabinoids such as THC and CBD.
Method: Apply heat extract under vacuum to vaporize cannabinoids and collect condensed compounds.
Techniques / Key Considerations:
- For the highest purity, use short-path distillation equipment
- Use multiple cycles to achieve higher purity levels (up to 99%)
- Use wiped film distillation to prevent thermal degradation
Step 10: Product Formulation & Packaging
The final step is product formulation, which involves packaging pure extracts or mixing them with other ingredients. It depends on the end consumer product type.
Purpose: Create quality, consistent, and appealing end products.
Method: Blend cannabis extracts with carriers, flavors, and functional ingredients.
Techniques / Key Considerations:
- Homogenization ensures consistent cannabinoid distribution
- Accurate dosing is a must, especially for medical products
- All products must have proper labeling displaying potency information and warnings
Conclusion
Cannabis processing covers everything from plant to product. It is a series of critical steps, each requiring appropriate knowledge, specialized equipment, and experience. We hope you now understand how to process cannabis for quality end products. Each step discussed here is critical and can be instrumental in creating products of the highest quality and stand out as your brand outcome.
